Bruce... 'Louis XIV'

Hi Bruce, I noticed you list 'Louis XIV' on HMF. What's it like. It's photos are a wonderful dark red for a China.

Patricia thinks this is actually the HT Nigrette. Fairly low-growing so far at Renmark, but I haven't focussed on it.

Simon, it's a very attractive bloom, the colour is deep red as can be seen on HMF. As Margaret mentions above no one really knows it's class or breeding. It's fragrance is nothing like Tea's, China's or Noisette, more like a Damask, very strong. I actually pulled mine out because it showed signs of Mosaic Virus and only have April 2010 budded babies. The new buds came from a large plant that has been virus free since planting in 1970 so I think it is a very healthy clone to work with. I only have two budded due to lack of time last season.

Thanks for this information. What's the plant itself like?

It does look a bit like a China/Noisette, very open and definately not bushy.

I would recomend it highly but must admit my weakness is fragrant reds.

Is it healthy?

Simon, Margaret mentioned it's a HT called 'Nigrette'. Greg Lowery's catalogue describes it as:-

Reliable Rebloom, Fragrant and grows like a HT.

Krause;Conard-Pyle,1934. A small grower,with small flowers, Nigrette has dark vevet-crimson flowers that shade to black. Despite it's intense colouring and small stature, it is a superb bloomer and a strong plant, and should be included in any short list of the best black-red roses.

I found it to be healthy here and have seen it up to 1800mm tall though the mature plant I cut budwood from is similar to Greg Lowery's discription.
The bush is quite open and spreading outwards, not a real typical HT growth.

Hope this helps.

Louis XIV I consider a must have rose which would possibly make a breeder though I was not into breeding when I grew it. Might make hips?

hmmmm... Paul Barden says this of it:

This rose, while bearing some of the most extraordinarily dark red blooms, leaves a great deal to be desired as far as the plant is concerned. It lacks any vigor whatsoever, and even under the best conditions cannot be expected to exceed 24". Treat it like a small Floribunda, keep it in a container for best performance, and feed the heck out of it. It will need protection from both Blackspot and Mildew. Be prepared to be disappointed.

I have read other scathing comments by him about this rose too... maybe we've got a different version??? Maybe he had a dud???

Bruce, just as a side interest, is there any chance of the plant that you obtained your budwood off please. Regards David.

Hi David, I can't quite make out what you want, please clarify and I will do my best to help.

I've placed an order for Louis XIV. And I'll be getting it from UK this Winter.

Hi Alee, I am sure when Louis XIV blooms for the first time you will be a very happy chappy.

Sorry Bruce in a typing hurry before work I read this thread and left out the important word named "picture". I was wondering if you could get a picture of the bush that you obtained the budwood off

Hi david, will try for a pix of the last one I have budwood from but won'y be able to get pix of the first one. Karen has a plant budded from the first one and it is now about 3 to 4 years old so I am sure she has that offspring growing still. As I mentioned it had RMV so I ditched it. Karen just had to be calling at the right time to rescue it for it was destined to end up in the garbage bin.